Francis Ford Coppola has been selected to receive the 50th honorary award from the American Film Institute (AFI) for his body of work.
“Francis Ford Coppola is an unparalleled icon, a creator who has produced iconic works in American cinema and has inspired generations of filmmakers who today embrace his art and independent spirit,” said AFI President Kathleen Kennedy.
His recent film, the first feature-length film in 13 years titled “Megalopolis,” had its world premiere at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. The ambitious epic, valued at $120 million, was shot and funded by the director himself. It is set in a futuristic New York City and stars Adam Driver along with Giancarlo Esposito, Aubrey Plaza, Jon Voight, Laurence Fishburne, and Shia LaBeouf, among others.
This will be the 50th honorary award presented by the AFI—a tradition that began with John Ford in 1973. Past recipients include Billy Wilder, Bette Davis, Orson Welles, Martin Scorsese, Meryl Streep, Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Shirley MacLaine, George Clooney, and Denzel Washington, among others.
According to the AP, the award ceremony will take place on April 26 at the famous Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
